Non-Combatant
/ˌnɒnˈkɒmbətənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A person who is not engaged in fighting during an armed conflict and is protected under international humanitarian law, such as civilians, medical personnel, and chaplains.
Non-combatants are entitled to protection against direct attacks under the Geneva Conventions.
Forms
- non-combatants
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term 'non-combatant' is technical in armed conflict law and denotes status that affects protection and rights; definitions should emphasize protections under international humanitarian law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.